Alumni affairs and development names new leaders

Media Contact

John Carberry

Fred Van Sickle, vice president for alumni affairs and development (AAD), announced three senior-level appointments. Shalini Mimani, Marybeth Tarzian and David Whitmore ’96 have joined AAD’s senior leadership team.

“I am delighted to welcome David, Marybeth and Shalini,” said Van Sickle. “Each has a terrific track record and valuable skills. Their abilities to increase philanthropic support for strategic priorities and further engage more alumni, parents and friends on behalf of Cornell’s mission will be put to good use.”

Mimani, a Columbia University principal gifts officer who helped drive the university’s $5 billion campaign, was appointed associate vice president for Cornell Tech and the Northeast Corridor. Mimani began her career at Columbia helping to establish its international fundraising program; she also spearheaded fundraising for the School of International and Public Affairs and Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ scientific research programs. She is a graduate of Yale University.

Tarzian was named associate vice president for colleges and units, after serving 12 years as assistant dean for alumni affairs and development for the College of Human Ecology. She led Human Ecology’s $95 million comprehensive campaign, which exceeded its $70 million goal and more than doubled its annual funds. Previously she worked for the Samuel C. Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management and Cornell Law School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Alfred University and a master’s degree from Ithaca College.

Whitmore, the new associate vice president for major gifts, will focus on raising gifts at the level of $250,000 and higher. He has spent the last 10 years at the College of Arts and Sciences, serving as associate director, director and associate dean of alumni affairs and development. A second-generation Cornellian, he began his career as a staff member in Student and Academic Services (now Student and Campus Life) and has served on Ithaca’s Common Council. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to work closely with all three individuals, who join and further strengthen an advancement team already distinguished for its depth, commitment and experience,” said Ben Renberg, senior associate vice president.